Can fried rice change the world? Content creation and small acts of resistance that build

TheGirlFridge
Jan 24
4 min read

Updated: Feb 17

After the 2016 election, French designer Sophie Theallet wrote an open letter stating her refusal to dress the then incoming first lady for the inauguration, and encouraged other designers to do the same. I think about her small but loud act of resistance often, especially when I feel helpless, wondering "what do we do now?"

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I gave my energy to creating and experimenting in the kitchen, and listening and learning. Dedicating the day to creating was my small form of protest; a rejection of the inauguration taking place the same day.

You'll hear a lot about this being the time to create. "Consume less, create more!" is a popular directive. When I'm at a loss for what to do, I start small, focusing on doing the things that bring me joy. Creation does not have to be artistic. It can be creating the change you wish to see in this world. There's a saying that goes, "cast a stone across the waters that will create many ripples."* While this recipe for fried rice is not going to change the world on its own, small acts have potential to build into things that will make impact.

"Cast a stone across the waters that will create many ripples."

What started as a Twitter post, Theallet's letter was picked up by major media outlets, thus amplifying her words and reaching a larger audience. Small protests have led to larger movements too. In the spirit of reflecting on the impacts of the civil rights era, we can't forget to mention Rosa Parks and her refusal to give up her seat on the bus, inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of 1955.

The rest of the day was spent honoring and celebrating MLK, like tuning in to interviews given by Dr. Bernice King—attorney and minister, and daughter of the late civil rights leader. In an interview with MSNBC, King says, "we're missing the strategy, the spirit of Dr. King.” That is, non-violence that she and her team define as a "love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation. It works on you first so you don't become like the unjust."

"Maintain unity," says Bernice King quoting her father.

It has been nine years since 2016, and we know more than we did then. We can go beyond the small acts, like getting connected with community. "Maintain unity," says Bernice King quoting her father. "It is important that we come out of our silos in this moment ... things grow because there's some people who are continuing to water those things [seeds of freedom, justice, and democracy] that have been planted. That's why we can't sit out."

The Recipe

Quinoa fried rice using day old grains that likely won't change the world but is making its ripple in the water.

Refrigerator Fried Rice

A one pan meal that yields about 2 servings. I was using up what I had in the fridge, and it made more than I could eat in one sitting. You'll have 2 cups of fried rice once everything is combined. I suggest saving half for later. Yes, you're using leftovers to make leftovers.

Serving size: 2

Level of difficulty: easy

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients